Dougie, Donald, Edward and Stanley are among the young cobs waiting for a new home.

Dozens of fabulously coloured cobs are ready to go out into the horse world and make a big impression, thanks to British charity Blue Cross.

Among the 60 horses and ponies brought in to the charity in the first three months of this year, 51 were cobs that were found abandoned and neglected.

Marula, Gentoo and Olive are making good progress at the Blue Cross. Gentoo when she first arrived at the Blue Cross

The pet charity is appealing for urgent assistance from experienced horse owners with the knowledge and facilities to provide homes for some of these smart youngsters, many of whom are ready to be backed.

The young cobs have the potential to become versatile riding horses. Ranging in height from 13hh upwards and aged from two years, many of these bay, skewbald and piebald cobs are now ready for new homes where their training can continue. By finding homes for these horses, Blue Cross will be able to free up space at its centres to take on more urgent welfare cases that need immediate help.

“We are seriously struggling with space and resources at the moment,” said Vicki Alford, Horse Manager at Blue Cross Burford.

“This means we can’t easily give the horses that are ready to progress the time and training they need. Most of these cobs have good conformation, movement and temperaments. We have laid the foundations for their initial handling and training and are now offering knowledgeable riders a great opportunity to take on a youngster that they can have the satisfaction of backing and bringing on themselves.”

The Blue Cross supported loan scheme offers borrowers financial help with vaccinations and worming costs until the horse is four years old.

It is estimated that more than 7000 horses and ponies are currently at risk in the UK. This escalating welfare crisis has had a huge impact on the country’s horse charities in terms of funding as well as resources.